TODAY news - June 28, 2003 - Loma Linda University news

Thursday, August 28, 2003 TODAY

Loma Linda University news

LLU chancellor receives 2003 Inland Empire Leader of Distinction Humanitarian Award

Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, receives the 2003 Inland Empire Leaders of Distinction Humanitarian Award from The Business Press representative while co-Humanitarian Award winner Dev A. GnanaDev, MD, MBA, medical director and chair, department of surgery, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, looks on.

Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, chancellor and chief executive officer of Loma Linda University was recognized for his humanitarian work at the 2003 Inland Empire Leaders of Distinction.

Dr. Hart received the Humanitarian Award along with Dev A. GnanaDev, MD,

MBA, medical director and chair, department of surgery, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton. It was the first time that two recipients shared the award.

There were awards in six categories: lifetime achievement, leadership (private, public, and nonprofit), innovation/pioneer, and humanitarian.

Each winner was presented with a special award plaque, two tickets to fly anywhere Southwest flies, and a $1,000 check to the winner’s favorite charity.

Ann Atkinson, co-owner, Center Chevrolet; Salvatore Curasi, assistant vice president, marketing department, PFF Bank & Trust; Pamela Marquardt, executive director, American Heart Association; Robert L. Traister, president & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce; and Michael Gene Stull, director, Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship, California State University, San Bernardino, all served as judges for the awards.

Dr. Hart has served Loma Linda since 1972, including positions as chair, department of health sciences; director, Center for Health Promotion; chair, School of Medicine department of preventive medicine; and, since 1990 until his appointment as chancellor, served as dean, School of Public Health.

Dr. Hart was named chancellor and chief executive officer of LLU in February, 2001. He was born in 1945 at the Loma Linda Sanitarium and Hospital, and received his early education in Washington at Upper Columbia Academy in Spangle, and Walla Walla College. While at Walla Walla, he became the first student missionary from the Seventh-day Adventist Church to serve outside of North America.

In 1966, prior to his first year in medical school, he married Judy Osborne. The Harts now have three daughters: Chandra, Briana, and Kari.

In 1970, he earned two LLU degrees—an MD from the School of Medicine and an MPH from the School of Public Health. Following an internal medicine internship at LLUMC, he began studies toward his doctor of public health degree at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

From 1972 to 1976, Dr. Hart served in Tanzania. As a population intern from the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, he developed the department of community health in Moshi. During this time, he co-authored Child Health, a book for mid-level health professionals in Africa. In 1974, a USAID contract with LLU took him to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he was chief of party to the Ministry of Health and helped to develop a maternal and child health program.

In 1977, Dr. Hart received his doctor of public health degree from Johns Hopkins University and became board certified in preventive medicine.

Dr. Hart’s vision extends to the farthest reaches of the globe.

His early involvement in student missionary work was key in the development of Students for International Mission Service and the Social Action Community Health System—a local low-cost health-care system for the medically underserved.

He is also president of Adventist Health International, an organization created to assist developing countries with health service management.

There were 150 nominations for this year’s Leaders of Distinction event.

Other nominees from Loma Linda University included David Kinsey, research specialist, office of advancement, and J. Russell Raker III, PhD, ACFRE, administrative director, office of advancement.

The Leaders of Distinction event, hosted by The Business Press, strives to recognize those individuals, both public and private, who have helped shape the Inland Empire’s economy and lifestyle.

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Former LLU director celebrates 50 years of marriage

George and Joan Summers

A former longtime director of libraries of Loma Linda University, George Summers, PhD, and his wife, Joan, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday, August 10. More than 100 relatives and friends attended the celebration held in the Fellowship Hall of the University Church of Seventh-day Adventists.

The couple was married August 9, 1953, in Washington, Pennsylvania, the bride’s hometown at the Adventist church.

Until ten years ago when he retired, Dr. Summers was director of the East Stroudsburg University Library in the Poconos of northeastern Pennsylvania. For 17 years prior to that he was director of libraries of Loma Linda University. The couple has owned a home in Loma Linda for the past 39 years.

The bride, Joan Behringer-Summers, attended Washington High School in her hometown and then earned a BA in elementary education from Columbia Union College, Takoma Park, Maryland. Dr. Summers graduated from Mount Vernon Academy, Mount Vernon, Ohio, and then went on to receive his BA from Columbia Union College, his MA from Drexel University in Philadelphia, and his PhD from the University of Southern California.

Their first job was at Pittsburgh Junior Academy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They then went on to teach at Blue Mountain Academy, Hamburg, Pennsylvania. After nine years in Pennsylvania, Dr. Summers was called to be director of libraries at LLU.

In 1979, Dr. Summers applied for and received appointment as the head librarian for a new school being built at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He established a new pre-clinical library for the school of medicine on the main campus and a clinical library for the new 1,400 bed teaching hospital, the Prince of Wales Hospital in the suburbs of Hong Kong, China. Ms. Summers taught English to children at a Hong Kong school.

Upon return to the United States after a six-year stint overseas, the Summers lived in eastern Pennsylvania near Stroudsburg. Ms. Summers taught for the Pleasant Valley School District in the public school system while Dr. Summers served at the library in Stroudsburg.

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Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital director visits LLU administrator

Chen Lei, director of administrative office at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Hangzhou city, Zhejian province, People’s Republic of China, stops for a quick picture with Jan Zumwalt, MS, RN, executive director of case management and advanced practiced nursing at LLUMC, before returning to China. Ms. Lei spent nearly a week at LLUMC meeting with administration to gain an understanding and overview of the administration process at LLUMC.

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International Heart Institute holds first advisory council meeting at LLU

Members of the International Heart Institute Advisory Council pose for a group photograph following the first meeting of the advisory committee held in late April.

The International Heart Institute Advisory Council members held their first ever meeting as a group on April 24 and 25, 2003, in Wong Kerlee International Conference Center.

“ The purpose of the council is to assist the Loma Linda International Heart Institute increase public awareness of its service excellence and increase philanthropic support,” says Carolyn D. Cales, MA, executive director for special gifts at the University and Medical Center.

Attending the first meeting were 15 of the council’s 29 charter members from throughout California and several from Texas.

The meeting began with dinner and a presentation by heart institute physicians on the newest breakthroughs in cardiac care for children and adults.

Friday morning’s session focused on responsibilities of the council. These responsibilities include:

Ambassadors of the institute in enhancing its strategic national and global outreach;
Advisors of the institute in its clinical, educational, and research programs; and
Supporters of the institute in identifying and generating financial resources to undergird the institute’s programs and thereby improve the quality of life for children and adults with cardiac and related diseases.

“ In their role as advisors, members provide feedback to the heart institute based on their experience, since all know the institute well, as patients, family members, or participants in forming the heart institute,” says Ms. Cales.

Interacting with the council are institute physicians including Leonard L. Bailey, MD, professor of surgery; Kenneth R. Jutzy, MD, associate professor of medicine; Ranae L. Larsen, MD, associate professor of pediatrics; J. Thomas Heywood, MD, associate professor of medicine; Marc L. Platt, MD, associate professor of medicine; and Anees J. Razzouk, MD, professor of surgery. In addition, B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president and chief executive office, LLUMC; Gerald Ellis, MBA, senior vice president, LLUMC; and Susan Krider, MA, RN, administrative director, heart institute, were present to answer questions.

The next meeting of the council is scheduled for October.

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Drayson Center Senior Fitness and Recreation Day

The secret is out! Drayson Center loves its senior members. But they also have room for more seniors to enjoy the benefits of fitness and recreation at their world-class facility.

On Friday, September 26, Drayson Center is holding a special open house for seniors from neighboring communities. The Senior Fitness and Recreation Day, which will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on September 26, will focus on the benefits of recreation and exercise as a way for seniors to “enjoy life to its fullest.” The entire day’s events—including refreshments throughout the day—are free and open to anyone age 55 and older.

Drayson Center’s senior-friendly facilities include a leisure pool (fully wheel-chair accessible), a lap pool and jacuzzi, both indoor and outdoor running tracks, a wide variety of cardio and weight equipment, indoor racquetball and outdoor lighted tennis courts, special senior aerobics classes (regular, wheel-chair, and water), basketball, volleyball, soccer, and a host of other sports and recreational areas. During the senior hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays, seniors virtually have the place to themselves. Sunday hours are also included.

During the Senior Fitness and Recreation Day on September 26, a variety of events will take place, including presentations on senior health and fitness issues, demonstrations of senior-oriented activities already offered at Drayson, a preview of plans to greatly expand and organize Drayson Center’s senior program, and a sneak-peek at the new senior-oriented recreational park slated to begin its first phase of construction this fall. Special drawings will take place throughout the day for those who sign up as new members. And did we mention the free refreshments?

You won’t want to miss this special event. Planned and informal activities will be taking place throughout the day and seniors are invited to drop by any time between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome, so be sure your friends know about it.

For more information, please call the Access Center at (909) 558-0014 or extension 80014.

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Drayson Center announces fall 2003 intramurals and deadlines

The fall 2003 intramural schedule has been set. Sports slated for this fall include flag football, volleyball, men’s 35 and over basketball, coed slow-pitch softball, and tennis.

“ More than 1,000 individuals are typically involved each quarter in the intramural leagues at Drayson Center,” says Ron Cronk, manager of the intramural leagues. “We recommend you sign up early to ensure a spot for your team.”

The team registration deadline for flag football, volleyball, and coed softball is Monday, September 29, by 6:00 p.m. For men’s 35 and over basketball, the registration deadline is October 3.

Watch for details regarding fall 2003 tennis leagues.

Flag football league play will begin on Monday, October 6, and end on Thursday, November 20. Playoffs will take place December 1 to 4.

Volleyball leagues will begin Tuesday, October 7, and end Thursday, November 20, with playoffs held December 2 to 4.

The men’s 35 and over basketball league will commence play on Thursday, October 9, continuing through December 4. Playoffs will be held December 9 to 11.

Coed slow-pitch softball leagues will start on Sunday, October 5, and continue through Sunday, November 16. Playoffs will be held on Sunday, November 23.

Again, watch for details about fall 2003 tennis leagues.

For more information regarding Drayson Center intramurals, contact Ron Cronk at (909) 558-1000, extension 43357, or Edwin Jones at (909) 558-1000, extension 82268.

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Drayson Center to offer personal trainers

For some time now, Drayson Center administrators have been working toward the goal of adding personal trainers to its many services.

“ We’re responding to many requests by our members,” points out Donald Sease, director of Drayson Center. “Seven certified trainers will work with Drayson Center to serve its membership.”

Janine Ledoux, DrPH, a 1991 graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Public Health, will head up the team of trainers, organized under the name Health Management Services.

“ The trainers on my team are somewhat unusual,” Dr. Ledoux explains, “because most of them have advanced degrees and training far beyond the basic certification required to practice.”

Advanced training and education in kinesiology, exercise physiology, dietary analysis, physical therapy, and sports rehabilitation are only a few of the areas of expertise her team represents.

Most of her team have graduated from Loma Linda University or are currently enrolled in training programs.

Appointment times are already available by calling the Drayson Center membership office at (909) 558-4275.

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LLU libraries make off-campus access available

The LLU libraries implemented a proxy server this past July that provides significantly more off-campus access to full-text electronic journals (eJournals) and premium databases. Most eJournals and databases that were previously restricted to on-campus use may now be accessed from anywhere and anytime after using the new off-campus library login.

To login, all one needs is their name, bar code, and self-created PIN number. Students automatically receive this bar code upon registration and can be found on the bottom of the LLU ID card. The login is exactly the same as the library catalog functions of interlibrary loan, eReserves, Link+, and viewing your circulation record.

Faculty and staff of LLUAHSC who do not have a library account will need to complete the patron registration form at <www.llu.edu/library/services/patronregistration.pdf>. After that, fax it to the library at (909) 558-4188 or extension 44188 or bring the form to the circulation desk.

“ In the future, the library system will add wireless access and remodel the second floor of the Del Webb,” states Jerry Daly, MSLS, library director, and director of media services.

The second floor will become a learning resource center with high-end computing resources and printers, CD burners, among other additions. The floor will also be redesigned to facilitate more group learning in the library.

Recently, the library added computers to the three existing group study rooms and a high-end color printer that can be used from any work station.

For more information regarding off-campus access to eJournals, you may contact the library by phone at (909) 558-4550 or extension 44550 or go to <http://library.llu.edu>.

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Adventist health study director writes book

Gary E. Fraser, MD, PhD

Results from four decades of the Adventist health study are now compiled in one book, Diet, Life Expectancy, and Chronic Disease: Studies of Seventh-day Adventists and Other Vegetarians. It was recently released from Oxford University Press, the world’s most prestigious university press.

“ As far as I know, the evidence that links vegetarianism directly to health and life expectancy has not been comprehensively reviewed before,” says the author of the book Gary E. Fraser, MD, PhD, professor, epidemiology/biostatistics, Loma Linda University, and director, Adventist Health Study-2.

The book primarily focuses on cancer, heart disease, and life expectancy. It describes what happens to Adventists compared to others. “Adventists really live a great amount longer,” states Dr. Fraser.

Because Adventists differ from non-Adventists in ways aside from what they eat, a chapter is devoted to exploring the possible influence of psychosocial factors and differences in religious commitment on physical health. The book also includes practical suggestions when shifting to a vegetarian diet.

Diet, Life Expectancy, and Chronic Disease is intended for health professionals who may find it a useful reference. However, nonprofessionals may find interest in this book as well. The words are relatively nontechnical, and where technical terms are unavoidable, a glossary explains them in the back of the book.

The book is being released as thousands of Adventists are participating in a new health study even more extensive than those mentioned in the book. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) granted LLU School of Public Health $18 million for this research project titled “Adventist Health Study-2.” It began last year and aims to examine health habits among 125,000 Adventists.

For those interested in purchasing Diet, Life Expectancy, and Chronic Disease, it is available at most major bookstores including Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com.

For more information regarding the book, you may contact LLU office of University relations at (909) 558-4526.

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Faculty notes

• G. Victoria Jackson, MSW, LCSW, community education coordinator and assistant professor, department of social work, presented “Seven Ways to Promote Racial Harmony in the Global Church” at the Centre for the Study of Cultural and Religious Diversity at Newbold College in Bracknell, England, on July 25, 2003.

• Ricardo L. Peverini, MD, senior vice president for clinical faculty, has taken on the additional responsibility to work with the medical staff and information systems to promote the efficient use of technology in patient care and delivery, according to B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president and chief executive officer, LLUMC.

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Loma Linda University represented at ASI convention

Dustin R. Jones (right), special projects editor, office of University relations, assists a woman interested in more information about Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center at the Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries annual convention. The well-attended event was held August 6 to 9 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Chinese studies program holds open house

The Chinese studies program held an open house on July 29, 2003, to start the beginning of a new certificate program at LLU with a bang. The ambience gave attendees an experience of Chinese culture. Spring rolls, exotic fruit, and other Chinese specialities satiated appetites. Chinese furniture and pictures adorned the room as well.

“ We held the open house,” says John B. Wong, MD, JD, ThD, PhD, director, Chinese studies program, “to get people acquainted with our center and tell people about the Chinese studies program.”

Currently, a class on Chinese civilization is being held as an introductory course. It will be offered again during winter quarter. This fall, students may take elementary mandarin. In December, a trip to China is planned for the culture and language course. Tuition benefits for employees may apply as well.

For more information on the Chinese studies program, you may contact Dr. Wong by phone at extension 87486 or e-mail at <JBWong@univ.llu.edu>. You may also leave a message with Mary Solberg at (909) 558-4748.

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Thursday, August 28, 2003 TODAY